Senior RF Test Engineer

About the role

Impulse Space is hiring a Senior RF Test Engineer in Redondo Beach to own RF test strategy, automation infrastructure and system-level validation for wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. The role works closely with RF, embedded, software, mechanical and manufacturing teams to define test requirements, build scalable validation infrastructure and drive reliability across RF hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Define RF test requirements and acceptance criteria for engineering, integration and production environments
• Lead the design and development of RF test fixtures and automated test systems
• Develop scalable Python-based automation tools for RF testing, instrumentation control and data analysis
• Characterize and debug modulated RF waveforms and wireless communication links
• Operate and integrate RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, power meters and software-defined radios
• Lead RF hardware bring-up, troubleshooting and system-level validation
• Run RF system-level tests including coexistence (CoEx), desense, beamforming and over-the-air (OTA) testing
• Test and validate RF hardware such as GNSS receivers, radios, antennas, filters and amplifiers

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience writing Python for RF test systems, automation infrastructure or wireless hardware validation
• Experience with RF lab equipment and RF system measurements such as channel power, EVM, modulation quality, Es/N0, C/N0, bandwidth and receiver sensitivity
• Experience developing and documenting RF test procedures for engineering or production environments
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills, comfortable working hands-on in lab and integration environments

Preferred skills

• 2+ years developing scalable production or manufacturing RF test systems
• 2+ years with SDR platforms, GNU Radio or custom waveform development
• 2+ years with beamforming, phased arrays or multi-antenna RF systems
• Familiarity with embedded Linux
• Experience with RF environmental, vacuum, thermal, vibration or OTA testing
• Experience leading cross-functional integration and validation efforts

What we offer

• Stated pay of $135,000 - $180,000 per year
• Possible long-term incentives in the form of stock options for full-time hires
• Medical, vision and dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan